Local Lib Dem MP Norman Baker has welcomed a £19 million boost of funding to a six year plan to increase jobs and housing in Newhaven.

Close partnership working between local councils has secured £10 million for a new port access road in Newhaven and £9 million for flood defences – including a promise of £6 million from the Environment Agency. Both schemes will open up major sites for housing, employment and new harbour facilities.

Funding for the schemes will come from Local Enterprise Partnerships, following this week’s announcement of a Government “growth deal”. In addition, to previously-confirmed funding from East Sussex County Council of £13 million, the Coast to Capital LEP will invest a further £10 million on the port access road and in partnership with the South East LEP will contribute £3 million towards improving flood defences.

Norman says:“The South East Growth Deal is substantial investment in our local infrastructure. “This funding will create thousands of local jobs, and the port access road should generate hundreds of new homes. The government’s significant investment in transport infrastructure and business support will help the UK to compete internationally.

This is not just as short term fix but as a long term investment in our region”